Heika: With contract issues, here's where I think Jamie Benn will be on opening night

How long do you think it will take to negotiate a new contract with Jamie Benn and get him back on the ice?

It's a tricky negotiation. Both sides are being quiet, but I get the sense it could take longer than a day or two. I believe Benn's agent Rich Evans has some power right now because of the short training camp, and it's incumbent upon him to use it. ... The Stars, on the other hand, don't want to give in too quickly to a bad contract. Both sides want what's fair and both sides will use their leverage. I think the Stars feel pretty good at center right now with Derek Roy, Cody Eakin, Vernon Fiddler and Tom Wandell, and they will wait out a few games if it comes to that.

Do you expect to see Jamie Benn on the ice for opening night?

If I had to bet on it, I would say yes.

Mike, a bridge contract for Benn would have to be 2 years, right?

They could still go three years and have a chance to sign one last deal before UFA. I believe he has to play seven years before he has UFA status, so three years would allow them RFA status and the ability to then sign the long extension.

Mike, it occurred to me that a 3 year deal with Benn could go really bad for the Stars. He could file for arbitration and force a one year deal, which would have him hitting the UFA market.

I actually think the Stars want to go the six or seven year route, and the Benn camp wants the deal shorter. We'll have to see once they start talking officially.

Hard to see Benn being at camp on the first day. NHLPA vote ends Saturday...camps open Sunday.

Yeah, I think the hope is he gets one or two days with his new teammates...and it might not even be that much. They could decide next Friday and then have him in the lineup on opening night.

To post a comment, log into your chosen social network and then add your comment below. Your comments are subject to our Terms of Service and the privacy policy and terms of service of your social network. If you do not want to comment with a social network, please consider writing a letter to the editor.